Minneapolis – Mayo Clinic physician Dr. Timothy Morgenthaler became the 29th president of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) today, beginning his one-year term as president of the board of directors at SLEEP 2014, the 28th annual meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies LLC (APSS) in Minneapolis.

Morgenthaler will provide direction for the leading professional society in the medical subspecialty of sleep medicine, representing a membership of nearly 9,000 physicians, scientists and allied health professionals. His leadership will be essential during a time of accelerated change in the U.S. health care system.

“Our health care delivery models are changing,” said Morgenthaler. “It’s a privilege to lead such a diverse group of medical professionals as we continue to advance the practice and science of sleep medicine to provide coordinated, patient-centered care that produces better outcomes for our patients.”

About 70 million Americans suffer from a sleep problem, and nearly 60 percent of them have a chronic sleep illness such as obstructive sleep apnea. The effective treatment of a sleep illness reduces associated health risks and improves quality of life by restoring healthy sleep, boosting daytime alertness and concentration, increasing physical energy and reducing feelings of depression.

“The American Academy of Sleep Medicine will continue to play a leading role in raising awareness of the importance of healthy sleep and the negative health consequences associated with untreated sleep illnesses,” Morgenthaler added.

Morgenthaler has completed a term as president-elect, previously served as secretary-treasurer of the AASM board of directors for three years, and has been an AASM member since 1994. A professor of medicine and chief patient safety officer at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, he is board-certified in sleep medicine, internal medicine, pulmonary disease and critical care medicine, with clinical and research interests in sleep-disordered breathing, patient safety and improving health care delivery. Morgenthaler completed his fellowship in thoracic diseases and critical care medicine and his residency in internal medicine at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine. He earned his medical degree from Dartmouth Medical School.

To arrange an interview with Dr. Morgenthaler, or for more information about the AASM, please contact Katie Hatcher at 312-565-4631 or khatcher@lcwa.com.

About the American Academy of Sleep Medicine
Established in 1975, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) is the leader in setting standards and promoting excellence in sleep medicine. With nearly 9,000 members, the AASM improves sleep health and promotes high quality patient centered care through advocacy, education, strategic research, and practice standards.